SD-WAN Research & Cloud Networking Engineer

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 92,100 - 174,708; Full time

Job summary

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University is seeking an innovative SD-WAN Research Computing Engineer to join the Cloud Technology Advancement Department within the CMS Division. You will design, develop, and implement next-generation SD-WAN solutions that support national security through network modernization and technology innovation.

This on-site role in State College, PA offers hybrid options on a project-dependent basis, with periodic travel to CONUS and international sites.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 6+ years of relevant experience.
• Active DoD Secret clearance required.
• DoD 8140/8570 IAT II baseline certification.
• Experience with DoD/IC security concepts and zero-trust architecture.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop next-generation SD-WAN architectures for DoD/IC environments.
• Research, prototype, and advance SD-WAN technologies including SASE and zero-trust.
• Implement network automation frameworks using Python, Ansible, and infrastructure-as-code tools.
• Deploy and test SD-WAN solutions in connected and Dark Cloud environments.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to transition R&D to operational solutions.
• Document technical specifications, research findings, and architecture designs.
• Support solution deployments in classified environments.

Skills

SD-WAN design

Routing protocols (BGP/OSPF/EIGRP)

Network automation (Python/Ansible)

Zero-trust security concepts

DoD/IC security clearance

IAT baseline cert (Security+ / CE, GSE

Education

Bachelor's degree

6+ years of relevant experience

Tools

Cisco Viptela

Fortinet

Palo Alto Prisma

VMware VeloCloud

Juniper SRX

DISA APL-listed solutions

Job description

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University is seeking an innovative SD-WAN Research Computing Engineer to join the Cloud Technology Advancement Department within the CMS Division. You will design, develop, and implement next-generation SD-WAN solutions that support national security through network modernization and technology innovation.

This on-site role in State College, PA offers hybrid options on a project-dependent basis, with periodic travel to CONUS and international sites.